I'm in the early stages of planning a trip to Italy. An important part of
this trip will be visiting Tuscany. Right now I'm considering spending three
nights in the Chianti region, either Hotel Monteriggoni in Monteriggoni or
at Locanda Le Piazza in Castellina in Chianti and then three nights at
Montorio in Montepulciano. I'm interested to hear your thoughts and opinions
about the above. The above accommodations look very nice, but are fairly
pricey at around $200+ per night. If it's possible to enjoy comfortable,
pleasing accomodations for less, we're interested. Also appreciated are
your feelings about splitting the week between these two regions or just
renting an apartment in one central location. We hope to see a good deal
of Tuscany at a fairly relaxed pace without spending hours at a time
driving. Never having been there, I'm very unsure of distances.

In general, we're thinking of a 3+ week trip flying into Milan, visiting the
Lakes, perhaps Bellagio(Hotel Belvedere?) or Verenna (Hotel Milano?). Then
on to Cinque Terre, staying in Monterosso al Mare (Hotel Porto Roca or
Pasquale?). Next Tuscany, followed by several nights in Florence (B&B
Piazza della Signoria or Hermatage?). From here, to Venice (Hotel Ala or
Accademia?), then possibly Verona (Hotel Victoria or Piazza del Signori?)
and Milan (Antica Locanda del Mercanti?).

Thanks so much for your help! Any and all suggestions will be most
appreciated!
Judy Garber
San Carlos, CA